Your First Visit

We want to make your experience at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center as stress-free as possible.

From the moment you make that first phone call to set up an appointment, you will be treated respectfully and compassionately by everyone from the receptionist and the x-ray technician to your medical team. It's what you should expect — and what you deserve.

Here are some tips to make your first visit go smoothly.

Scheduling an appointment

When you call to set up your first visit, a friendly, professional staff member will ask about your diagnosis and where your testing was performed. We will gather all the pertinent medical records and test results before you come for your appointment.

What to bring with you

• ID and insurance cards
• Advanced directives if you have them. If not, our social worker can help you prepare a living will and power of attorney.
• A list of current medications
• Questions
• A friend or family member. This first visit can be overwhelming emotionally and you may have a hard time processing all the information that will be shared. Another set of ears is helpful. If you can't bring someone, think about recording your conversation with the doctor or taking notes.

When you get to the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center

Valet parking is available for $3, and free for patrons with handicap permits, from 7 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday and 7 am to 2 pm on Fridays.

Then register at the front desk in the lobby. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate while you wait.

What to expect in your exam

The nursing staff and medical assistants will escort you to an exam room. They will go over your medical records and current medications with you, record your vital signs and update your medical history.

Your physicians will examine your medical record and all your imaging, pathology reports and medical history. This information helps direct your treatment plan.

All new patients at UTMC will have their cases reviewed by the entire medical team at what is known as a tumor board. Surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, medical oncologists, nurse practitioners and radiation oncologists go over your case and recommend next steps in your care.

After this first visit, you will have a preliminary treatment plan. You may need additional tests or lab work. Most of these tests can be completed at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center.

To schedule an appointment at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center, call 419-383-6644.

The center is located on The University of Toledo Medical Center Campus at 1325 Conference Dr., Toledo Ohio 43614.

Advanced directive

This general term refers to various documents that outline what you would like to happen if you are no longer able to make medical decisions for yourself. Advanced directives include such documents as a living will or healthcare power of attorney.

Living will

A living will outlines the treatments you want to receive or refuse if you are no longer able to make medical decisions on your own and are in a terminal condition or permanently unconscious state. You decide ahead of time how much life-sustaining treatment you want, including whether you want physicians to use a ventilator or artificial nutrition and hydration.

Health care power of attorney

You designate a person to act on your behalf and make health care decisions for you if you are no longer able to make decisions on your own.

This National Institutes of Health website offers a lot of good information on advance care planning.